Installing new software can often feel cumbersome, especially when specific hardware or admin rights are required. For molecular modelers eager to explore SAMSON, the integrative molecular design platform, its installation process has been made remarkably straightforward. Here’s everything you need to know to get started with SAMSON without a hitch!
No Admin Rights? No Problem!
One of the highlights of SAMSON’s installation process is that it doesn’t require administrator rights. Yes, you heard that right. SAMSON is designed to install directly into the user’s home directory, bypassing any need for administrative privileges. This is particularly helpful for users working in institutional or shared environments where admin rights might be restricted. Plus, SAMSON checks at every startup to ensure it’s not running in admin mode, promoting safe usage.
Using Virtual Machines: A Key Consideration
Planning to use SAMSON on a virtual machine (VM)? While this is possible, it’s crucial to ensure that your VM has hardware GPU acceleration enabled. This is because SAMSON relies on OpenGL functionality, which may not be fully supported by the VM’s default display driver. Consult your VM provider’s documentation to properly configure GPU acceleration and avoid any compatibility issues.
Older Versions? Easily Accessible
If you’re working on a project that requires a specific SAMSON version, you can install older versions using the same installer. During the setup process, select the Install an older version option and choose the version you need. Be sure to reference the developer version numbers (e.g., version 2.0.2 corresponds to the 2021 edition of SAMSON) to ensure you’re choosing the right one. For clarity, SAMSON provides an overview of user guide versions, which will come in handy for identifying the correct release.
Keeping Installation Clean: Switching Between Versions
For those who need multiple versions of SAMSON installed simultaneously, SAMSON makes it feasible to launch a specific version rather than the default one. Here’s how you can do it based on your operating system:
- Windows:
C:/Users/%USERNAME%/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/11.0.0/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.exe - MacOS:
$HOME/Applications/SAMSON.app/ - Linux:
$HOME/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/11.0.0/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.sh
A Visual Guide to Installing Older Versions
SAMSON even includes a visual element during the installation process to make your selection easier. Below is a screenshot example for reference, showing you how to opt for an older version:
After selecting the older version option, here’s what the next step looks like, where you can browse and select the version you need:
Final Thoughts
With these tips, installing and managing SAMSON becomes a smooth experience, regardless of your operating system or setup requirements. For more detailed instructions or to explore other aspects of SAMSON, be sure to visit the full FAQ page here.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get started today by downloading it at SAMSON Connect.